Portable Shade Assembly

ABSTRACT

Portable devices comprising means for mounting an adjustable shade in a location for shielding one or more users from the environment are provided herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to portable shade assemblies includingdevices that provide protection from the environment and may include oneor more convenience trays or tool holders.

The hot summer sun can be uncomfortable and almost unbearable to workunder for those who work outside in the sun. Further, ultraviolet raysfrom the sun can be damaging to the skin.

Both UVA and UVB play a critical role in conditions such as prematureskin aging, eye damage including cataracts, and skin cancers. Someharmful UV rays also suppress the immune system, thus reducing theability to fight certain maladies.

By damaging the skin's cellular DNA, excessive UV radiation producesgenetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer. Both the U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization haveidentified UV as a proven human carcinogen. UV radiation is consideredthe main cause of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cellcarcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers strikemore than a million people worldwide and more than 250,000 Americans,respectively, each year. Many experts believe that, especially forfair-skinned people, UV radiation also frequently plays a key role inmelanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which kills more than 8,000Americans each year.

Some known shade devices simply employ a stationary shade or a movablebase. This known approach, however, does not allow for ease of use,flexibility, or optimal positioning of a shade for creating a lowertemperature, lower UV radiation, comfort space. Portable devices toprovide directional shade when and where needed are desirable.Conventional umbrellas are known to be bulky, restrictive and ofinsufficient height.

Portable shade systems that allow unrestricted movement of a shadeproducing device while providing ease of use are disclosed herein. Suchnovel devices allow a user to have full range of motion withoutinhibiting user mobility such that one or more users can work on amultitude of tasks while being protected from the sun or other elements.Further, such devices are portable and can be used under a wide range ofconditions as will be discussed below.

Some examples of those who can benefit from use of the instant inventioninclude utility workers, gardeners, landscapers, mechanics, painters,construction workers, yard workers, vehicle or boat cleaners, fishermen,irrigation or pipe installers, ditch diggers, fencing installers, tirechangers, surveyors, and many others.

The instant invention allows users to work more comfortably andefficiently while providing protection from direct sunlight and harmfulradiation. The system solves the problem of logistics because theinvention can provide convenient spot shade almost anywhere, includingremote locations, without obstructing the user's mobility or vision.

Novel portable flexible shade systems that can be configured in thefield and can be set up and taken down with ease are disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus can comprise abase. An adjustable boom has a first end and a second end. The first endof the boom is connected to the base and the second end of the boom isconnected to a shade.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a tray can be connected tothe boom.

In some embodiments, the base can be a tripod.

In some embodiments, the tripod can include at least one adjustable footfor stabilizing the apparatus.

In certain embodiments, the base includes means for attachment to asubstrate, such as, for example, a vice.

In certain other embodiments, the boom can be an adjustable telescopingboom for adjusting the height position of the shade.

In particular embodiments, the second end of the boom can include meansfor positioning and locking the shade in a plurality of sun blockingconfigurations.

In other particular embodiments, the shade can be opaque.

In still other particular embodiments, the shade can be transparent.

In yet other embodiments, the shade can have a transparency betweenabout 10% and about 90%.

In some embodiments, the shade has a first surface and a second surface.The first surface has an emissivity greater than about 0.5. The secondsurface has an emissivity less than about 0.5.

In some embodiments, the shade can include an airfoil shaped edgeprofile which provides a down-force during operation of the apparatus inthe wind.

In another aspect of the present invention, the system can include acollapsible base. An adjustable boom has a first end and a second end. Aremovable tray can be attached to the boom. A shade has a first surfaceand a second surface. The first user facing surface has an emissivitygreater than about 0.5. The second sun facing surface has an emissivityless than about 0.5. The first end of the boom is connected to the base.The second end of the boom is connected to the shade.

In some embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the collapsiblebase can include a means for anchoring the base to a substrate.

In some embodiments, the means for anchoring the base to a substrate canbe a vice.

In certain embodiments, the boom can be an adjustable telescoping boomfor adjusting a height or other position of the shade.

In certain embodiments, the second end of the boom includes means forpositioning the shade.

Yet in certain other embodiments, the means for positioning the shadecan comprise a mechanism for locking the shade in a plurality of userdefined configurations. Such locking mechanisms will be well known tothose skilled in the art of mechanical engineering.

In some embodiments of this aspect, the shade can be opaque.

In yet other embodiments, the shade can be transparent.

In some embodiments, the shade can have a transparency between about 10%and about 90%.

In some embodiments, the first surface of the shade can have anemissivity greater than about 0.5. The second surface of the shade canhave an emissivity less than about 0.5.

In another aspect of the instant invention, a kit comprises a base. Atelescoping boom can have a first end and a second end. A shade can havea means for connecting the shade to the second end of the boom forallowing adjustability of the shade relative to the base and the boom.The kit can have a means for connecting the shade to the second end ofthe boom.

In yet another aspect of the present invention a method comprises thesteps of: Opening a collapsible base. The base has a connector forreceiving a telescoping boom. Connecting a first end of the telescopingboom to the connector. Deploying a collapsible shade. The shade can havea first surface and a second surface. The first surface has anemissivity greater than an emissivity of the second surface. Connectingthe shade to a second end of the telescoping boom. Connecting a tray tothe telescoping boom and positioning the shade in a plurality of sunblocking positions such that the second surface substantially faces thesun. The first surface is substantially opposed to the second surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a portable shade assembly accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of some of the elements includedin the portable shade assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts another perspective view of some of the elementscomprising the portable shade assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms sun shade or sun blocker or shade refer to amaterial that can be use to decrease the effect of solar radiation. Theterms shade or sun blocker may be singular or plural and are usedinterchangeably herein.

As used herein, the terms sunlight or solar radiation refer to thespectrum of electromagnetic radiation striking the Earth's atmosphere.This radiation spans a range of about 100 nm to about 1 mm.

Ultraviolet C or (UVC) solar radiation spans a range of 100 to 280 nm.The term ultraviolet refers to the fact that the radiation is at higherfrequency than violet light (and, hence also invisible to the humaneye).

Owing to absorption by the atmosphere very little UVC reaches theEarth's surface. This spectrum of radiation has germicidal propertiesand is used, for example, in germicidal lamps.

Ultraviolet B or (UVB) solar radiation spans 280 to 315 nm. It is alsogreatly absorbed by the atmosphere, and along with UVC is responsiblefor the photochemical reaction leading to the production of the ozonelayer.

Ultraviolet A or (UVA) solar radiation spans 315 to 400 nm. It has beentraditionally held as less damaging to the DNA, and hence used intanning and PUVA therapy for psoriasis.

Visible range solar radiation or light spans 380 to 780 nm. As the namesuggests, radiation in this range is visible to the naked eye.

Infrared (IR) solar radiation is in the range that spans 700 nm to 106nm (1 mm). It is responsible for an important part of theelectromagnetic radiation that reaches the Earth and is divided intothree types on the basis of wavelength: Infrared-A: 700 nm to 1,400 nm,Infrared-B: 1,400 nm to 3,000 nm and Infrared-C: 3,000 nm to 1 mm.

As used herein, a sun shade is used for the blocking of sunlight, inparticular direct sunshine, and also for creating a shadow. Shade is animportant issue in temperate and tropical zones for providing coolingand shelter from the sun.

As defined herein, the emissivity of a material, usually written ε or e,is the relative ability of its surface to emit energy by radiation. Itis the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energyradiated by a black body at the same temperature. A true black bodywould have an e=1 while any real object would have e<1.Emissivity is adimensionless quantity.

In general, the duller and blacker a material is, the closer itsemissivity is to 1. The more reflective a material is, the lower itsemissivity. For example, highly polished silver has an emissivity ofabout 0.02 and flat black paint has an emissivity of about 0.9. As usedherein a high emissivity surface has an emissivity greater than about0.5, while low emissivity surface has an emissivity less than about 0.5.Emissivity varies with temperature and surface finish. Methods formeasuring emissivity will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart of thermodynamics or temperature measurement.

As used herein, telescoping describes the movement of one part slidingout from another, lengthening or shortening an object such as a supportboom.

As shown in FIG. 1, portable shade assembly 1 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention includes base 4. In this embodiment,base 4 is a collapsible tripod having legs 8 and support members 12.Legs 8 can include end caps 8A which may be adapted to accommodatedifferent surface and set up conditions. For example, end caps 8A couldinclude wheels (not shown) for ease of movement or weights to providestability if required. Further, the legs can be configured to be ofdifferent lengths thereby allowing for a large range of adjustment forstability on uneven or variable surfaces. It is contemplated that manyknown gripping devices such as suction cups, vacuum seals and the likeare within the scope of the instant invention.

Additionally, end caps 8A can be adapted to accommodate hold downstakes, or pegs, where a more permanent or durable attachment isrequired. End caps 8A may also include prongs for engaging the ground toprevent movement of the system or friction pads such as heavy rubberfeet to prevent sliding on a hard or slippery mounting surface.

Further, a gripping device such as a clamp or a vice can be incorporatedinto base mechanism 4. In such embodiments, the base can be attached ordetached from a substrate or mounting surface by mechanical action such,for example, a lever or a screw mechanism. In embodiments thatincorporate a clamping device, the clamping device can be designed tominimize the risk of damage to the substrate while providing a stablesurface for mounting the base of the system while in use or in storage.

The base can be fabricated as any number of structural members that willserve the intended function of holding a boom and shade. For example, a4 or 5 legged structure could be used to support the boom and shade.Likewise a circular, elliptical, or rectangular base structure isenvisioned to be within the scope of the instant invention.

Components of the base including the supports and end caps can befabricated from a wide range of engineering materials includinglight-weight metals, such as aluminum or engineering polymers. Suchmaterials and devices will be well known to those of ordinary skill inthe mechanical arts.

As depicted in FIG. 1, base 4 is connected to boom 16A. In thisembodiment, boom 16A is a cylindrical shaped telescoping boom. The boomhas lockable telescoping sections 16B and 16C. Each section can beslidably adjusted to set the overall length or height of the system andto adjust the angle of the shade relative to the boom axis Z as shown inFIG. 3.

As will be discussed, the boom can be adjusted so that the system canblock the sun where a user requires shade in a plurality of user definedpositions. The telescopic boom is designed to pivot about z axis atleast 180 degrees, and preferably up to 360 degrees.

Boom 16A-16C can be fabricated using known manufacturing methods andmaterials, for example fiberglass, composite, or aluminum and are wellknown materials that are light-weight, durable, and low cost. Likewise,locking mechanisms for such adjustable telescoping booms, including theheight of the boom, the angle between the shade and the boom and therotational position of the shade about the longitudinal axis of the boomwill be well known to those of ordinary skill in the mechanical arts.

The boom can pivot high over head such that it does not obstruct thevision or mobility, providing complete freedom of movement for the user.In one embodiment, the boom, when fully extended is about seven feettall, however, the dimensions of all components of the invention can bescaled to any functional proportions and will depend on the intendeduse, cost and other engineering constraints that are well know to one ofordinary skill in the mechanical arts.

Connector 20 is used to attach the top section of the boom 16C to shade24. Connector 20 can allow for translation and rotation of the shadeabout the longitudinal axis or z axis of boom 16 (FIG. 3). In this way,shade 24 can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of sun blockingpositions. Connector 20 can include a locking mechanism (not shown) toallow the shade to pivot about the boom or be moved perpendicular to theboom and allow the user to unlock, move, and lock the shade to achieve aplurality of sun blocking positions.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, assembly 1 includes shade 24. Shade 24 has edges32 and rear surface 26 and front surface 28. The shade's surfaces, 26and 28 may be fabricated from one or more materials suitable forblocking the sun.

Materials for the shade can be designed for a particular application.For example, surface 26 can be a reflective opaque surface to block thesun and reject heat while surface 28 can be an anti-glare surface. Theemissivity of each surface 26, 28 can be adjusted to achieve a resultthat meets a range of user requirements. For example, the emissivity ofshade surfaces 26, 28 can be between about 0.1 and about 0.9.Preferably, the sun facing surface has a low emissivity of about 0.1 toabout 0.3 while the opposing surface has a high emissivity of about 0.5to about 1.

In some applications of the instant invention, the shade is made from aheterogeneous sun resistant material. The material can be opaque ortransparent. Any known sun blocking material, such as nylon or otherengineering polymers may be used alone or in combination to fabricatethe shade.

In some embodiments, the shade is fabricated from a transparent PVCcoated polyester yarn that is formulated to withstand solar abuse. Onesuch known material having transparency between about 20% and 0%(opaque) is Textilene®. Shade 24 can be fabricated from a monolithicmaterial having a transparency between about 0% (opaque) and about 95%.A transparent shade material allows some air and light to pass throughthe shade thereby reducing the resistance to wind. Such systems can bemore stable in a windy environment.

Shade 24 includes edge 32. Edge 32 can be fabricated as an airfoil (FIG.3) as discussed further below. That is, the edge profile is astreamlined shape that is capable of generating significantly more liftthan drag.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, tray 36 is mounted to boom 16A with mountingbracket 40. The tray can be designed to attach to and detach from theboom. The tray can include a wide variety of geometries including a flatsurface (as shown), a drawer, a tool holder and the like. If a userrequires a particular tool or tool set, the tray can be configured tohold or accommodate the tool or tool set. Likewise the tray can befabricated to include a beverage holder or a cooler for storingperishables out of the sun during the work day. Any useful trayconfiguration is contemplated to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

In use, assembly 1 can be mounted to the ground or another surface 44,using mounting peg 48. Peg 48 can be attached to the boom and anchoredinto the ground to provide additional stability, if required.

Referring to FIG. 2, the system of FIG. 1 is depicted in an upright sunblocking configuration. Here, shade 24 is shown having a solid surface28 for blocking solar radiation. As discussed above, sun 52 illuminatesthe earth with essentially parallel rays 56. The assembly 1 can bepositioned such that shade 24 blocks all or some of the sun's rays andthereby forms shadow 60. The shape and size of the shadow will depend onnumerous factors such as the shape and size of the shade 24 and theposition of the shade set by a user 64. Here, the user can takeadvantage of protection from the sun 56 by situating near or withinshadow 60. The temperature in the shadow 60 created by the shade orsecondary shade 68 can be substantially reduced from the temperature inthe direct sun. Temperature reductions of between about 10 degrees F.and about 20 degrees F. can be attained depending on the environmentalconditions and the material properties of the shade 24 and optionalsecondary shade 68. For example, as discussed above, one embodimentutilizes a high emissivity, e=>0.5, optionally between 0.8-1.0, blacksurface facing the user, away from the sun, and a low emissivity silversurface or mirror like surface facing towards the sun where e=<0.5,optionally between 0.02-0.2.

As shown in FIG. 2, system 1 can in include secondary shade 68. Shade 68can be mounted to shade 24 and to boom 16A or base 8. Any well knownmeans of attachment may be used. For example, secondary shade 68 can beattached with screws or a more easily detachable means such as hook andloop fasteners. Secondary shade 68 provides additional sun blockingcapability between the sun's rays 56 and one or more users 64. Secondaryshade 68 can be a mesh material for reducing ambient light or glare.

FIG. 3 depicts the present invention in a deployed position. In thisembodiment, shade 24 is canted at an angle A. Angle A is the anglebetween the z axis of upright boom 16 and the shade 24. Connector 20allows the shade to be set at any angle between at least +30 90 degreesand at least −90 degrees allowing for at least 180 degrees of rotation.Optimally, the shade can be set by locking means 16L to provide for anyposition around axis z of boom 16 and any angle A. Thus the shade 24 canbe adjusted by the user to a user defined height, by lengthening orshortening the z axis of boom 16 as shown in FIG. 3. The angle of theshade, A can also be adjusted both perpendular to axis z and around axisz. In this way, the user can position the apparatus along all three axesin a plurality of user defined sun blocking positions depending on theparticular needs of the user and environmental conditions at the time ofuse.

As shown in FIG. 3, the edge 32 can be an inverted wing profile suchthat wind blowing across the edge exerts a down-force for stabilizingthe system when used in a windy environment. The airfoil shape 32 isdesigned so that air flow across surfaces 26 and 28 creates a pressuregradient that exerts a down-force in the direction of the ground orsubstrate 44. In some embodiments, the perimeter edge 32 is notprofiled. In other embodiments, some or all of edge 32 has anaerodynamic profile as discussed above to provide a down-force and thusadditional stability during operation of the system in windy conditions.In still other embodiments of the invention, the shade itself is shapedlike an airfoil such that a down-force, generally in the minus zdirection, is generated when air flows across the surfaces of the shade.

The principal employed by this instant invention is the same as appliedin racing cars. Wings, or inverted airfoils, are routinely used in thedesign of racing cars to increase down-force. The same principles can beapplied to portable shade systems by contouring the edge of the shade orforming the primary shade in the shape or contour of an inverted airfoilto generate a down-force as disclosed herein.

Components of the present invention can be fabricated from polymers orother structural materials which will be known to one skilled in the artof manufacturing. Like-wise, snap fit designs of many types andmanufacturing processes such as, for example, injection molding,compression molding, casting, or machining are well known to thoseskilled in the art of polymer component manufacturing.

A plurality of geometries, shade configurations, and individualcomponent configurations are contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention. For example, the shade 24 can be rectangular,circular or elliptical. The geometry depicted in this embodiment of thepresent invention is one of many configurations that can utilize theinvention disclosed herein.

As will also be appreciated, a significant benefit of the presentinvention includes the protection from deleterious effects of the sun.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as defined by the disclosure herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: (a) a base; (b) anadjustable boom having a first end and a second end; and (c) a shade,wherein said first end of said boom is connected to said base and saidsecond end of said boom is connected to said shade.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further including a tray, said tray being connectable to saidboom.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base is a tripod.
 4. Theapparatus if claim 3, wherein said tripod includes at least oneadjustable foot for stabilizing said apparatus.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said base includes means for attachment to a substrate.6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said boom is an adjustabletelescoping boom for adjusting a height position of said shade.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said second end of said boom includesmeans for positioning and locking said shade in a plurality of sunblocking configurations.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shadeis opaque.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shade istransparent.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shade has atransparency between about 10% and about 90%.
 11. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said shade has a first surface and a second surface, whereinsaid first surface has an emissivity greater than about 0.5 and saidsecond surface has an emissivity less than about 0.5.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said shade includes an inverted airfoil shaped edgefor providing a down-force during operation of said apparatus in aplurality of wind conditions.
 13. An apparatus comprising: (a) acollapsible base; (b) an adjustable boom having a first end and a secondend; (c) a tray, said tray being removably attachable to said boom; and(d) a shade, said shade having a first surface and a second surface,said first surface having an emissivity greater than about 0.5 and saidsecond surface having an emissivity less than about 0.5., wherein saidfirst end of said boom is connected to said base and said second end ofsaid boom is connected to said shade.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13,wherein said collapsible base includes means for anchoring said base toa substrate.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for ananchoring said base is a vice.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinsaid boom is an adjustable telescoping boom for adjusting a heightposition of said shade.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidsecond end of said boom includes means for positioning said shade. 18.The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said means for positioning said shadecomprise a mechanism for locking said shade in a plurality of userdefined configurations.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein saidfirst surface of said shade has an emissivity greater than about 0.5 andsaid second surface of said shade has an emissivity less than about 0.5.20. A method comprising the steps of: (a) opening a collapsible base,said base having a connector for receiving a telescoping boom; (b)connecting a first end of said telescoping boom to said connector, (c)deploying a collapsible shade, said shade having a first surface and asecond surface, said first surface having an emissivity greater than anemissivity of said second surface; (d) connecting said shade to a secondend of said telescoping boom; (e) connecting a tray to said telescopingboom; and (f) positioning said shade in a plurality of sun blockingpositions, wherein said second surface substantially faces the sun andsaid first surface is substantially opposed to said second surface.